John MacArthur Disappointed in Churches Shutting Down; ‘They Don’t Know What a Church Is’

By Jesse T. Jackson - Posted at ChurchLeaders:

John MacArthur, lead pastor of Grace Community Church Sun Valley, California, recently made waves by announcing his church would remain open despite the second round of closures ordered by the state government of California. Over the weekend, MacArthur doubled down on his position and said he’s not “nervous” about the situation the church is in. Rather, he sees the whole thing as an “incredible opportunity” to be the church during this trying time.

“What is disappointing to me is how few churches are standing up. How few large churches or even Christian leaders are willing to say ‘We’re not going to bow to Caesar. We’re going to serve our Lord,'” MacArthur said during an update video posted to the church’s account.

“Large churches are shutting down until—they say January,” MacArthur said incredulously. “They don’t know what a church is and they don’t shepherd their people,” MacArthur added. “Significant leaders aren’t giving any strength and courage to the church. They’re not standing up…rising up…and calling on Christians to be the church in the world,” he lamented.

While it’s not clear which churches MacArthur was talking about, some big churches such as J.D. Greear’s Summit Church in North Carolina and Andy Stanley‘s North Point Church in Atlanta, Georgia have recently announced they won’t be opening for in-person services until next year.

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HT: Sermon Audio

See also:

• L.A. threatens MacArthur, Grace Community Church With Fines, Arrest (Ministry Watch)